Saving the World

“Whoever saves a single life is considered by Scripture to have saved the whole world.”~Sanhedrin, 37a

The shocking tragedy that happened this week in Toronto shattered a fundamental trust that many of us had in this city. Yes, we know that mass killings happen in urban areas. We also knew that, up until this week, that the largest city in Canada had been spared the type of gruesome, collective experience that seems far more commonplace elsewhere. And that naivety, that innocence of a sort, shattered on the first, warmish, spring day of the season. And we are collectively stunned.

We grieve as a city for those whose lives were literally struck down. We wish for those who are now in hospital to have a speedy and complete recovery, knowing in the pit of our stomachs that the psychological recovery from such trauma almost always exceeds the physical recovery. And we collectively mourn the loss of our peace-of-mind when any pedestrian near what could be a gathering place in the city has to second-guess their decision to go out for a breath of fresh air on a sunny day.

It is at times like this that we must do whatever we do to restore normalcy, to viscerally recall what it feels like to be connected, to be vital and alive, to be free from strife, worry, and enmity, to live our lives fully, if for no other reason than an acknowledgement of the inherent truth of life: the only day we truly have in our possession is today.

What I’m suggesting to you – yes, You, who is reading this right now – is this: Create goodness in the world. Help to make the world a little less fraught, and a little less angry, and a little less resentful. And, if you’re not in the position to accomplish these for the big, wide world, then strive to do these things for at least one person’s world.

Last evening, I went to dance with a community which, like most in this city, was not untouched and unmoved by this week’s events. And, we danced. We celebrated life, and good feelings, and connection, and each other. Imagine what might not have transpired if someone had simply asked the alleged driver of that Ryder van to come with them out to dance.

Dance is not necessarily the answer to everything, but it sure does go a long way towards addressing all sorts of things that do need answers. So here’s the challenge: Invite someone who really needs dance in their life, to come out to dance. You might not save the big, wide world, but you might very well save the world for that one person, when we…